Italian Sausage Soup with Tomato Pasta
Italian Sausage Soup with Tomato Pasta is a comforting, hearty one-pot meal combining spicy or sweet Italian sausage, rich crushed tomatoes, tender small pasta shapes, and classic aromatic herbs. Perfect for quick dinners or cozy evenings, this flavorful soup delivers balanced nutrition and can be easily customized to suit dietary preferences.
- Author: Nina
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Can be Gluten Free if gluten-free pasta is used
Sausage and Aromatics
- 12 oz Italian sausage (spicy or sweet, depending on preference)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Base and Pasta
- 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 3/4 cup small-shaped tomato pasta (such as ditalini or elbow macaroni)
Seasonings and Garnishes
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)
- Brown the Sausage: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes. This builds the savory flavor base for the soup.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot with the sausage. Stir and cook until fragrant and translucent, about 3 to 4 minutes, infusing the broth with Italian aromatics.
- Add Tomatoes and Broth: Pour in the canned crushed tomatoes and chicken or vegetable broth. Stir to combine, scraping the bottom of the pot to loosen any browned bits. This mixture forms the flavorful soup base.
- Season and Simmer: Stir in dried basil, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 15 minutes to meld flavors.
- Cook the Tomato Pasta: Add the small-shaped tomato pasta directly into the simmering soup. Cook according to the pasta package instructions, usually 8 to 10 minutes, until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Final Touches: Once pasta is tender, taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Remove from heat and sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top if desired for added richness before serving.
Notes
- Choose good-quality Italian sausage for the best flavor.
- Add pasta at the end to avoid mushy noodles and preserve texture.
- Use fresh herbs if available to brighten the flavor just before serving.
- Simmer slowly to fully meld the soup flavors.
- Taste and adjust seasoning throughout cooking to achieve balance.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximately 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg
Keywords: Italian sausage soup, tomato pasta soup, one pot soup, Italian comfort food, hearty soup, easy dinner